Borgreynolds0174
Cat flaps allow your pet come and go as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from peeing in the house.
It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some knowledge and right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, but also small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using replacement upvc door panels with cat flap begin to cut along the line that you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you know the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a hole
It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel which could block the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that is cut. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. replacement upvc door panels with cat flap can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option to use as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.
